Things to do in Agra

Things to do in Agra

Agra is home to some of the most visited tourist attractions of India. A visit to Agra is a trip to remember if one wishes to take a glimpse of the history of India. Taj Mahal is the hot spot among the tourists. One cannot get enough, gazing at the beautifully crafted royal forts such as Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar Fort, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal & Khas Mahal to name a few.

1. Taj Mahal
Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal stands at the northern end of formal gardens. The Taj is indescribable.This site epitomizes the "over-the-top opulence" and spirituality of Indian architecture. Emperor Shah Jahan built this white marble mausoleum for his queen Arjumand Bano Begum or Mumtaz Mahal. The building aside, the Taj Mahal is one of the most glorious symbols of love. The building was commissioned in 1631 and decorated with the landmark technique of intricate marble inlay work.

2. Bird Sanctuary
Amidst the nature, one can plan a visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park located just sixty kilometers away from Agra. Just an hours drive from Agra this is a must visit place if one is in Agra. This is one of the most famous nature reserves of its kind in the country. One can spend hours here watching some of the rare bird species.

3. Agra Fort
Built in 1565 of red sandstone, this fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This majestic fort has sixteen palaces, has served as a home to six Mughal Emperors and offers a breathtaking view of the dominant Taj. More than a fort, this walled-in structure is more like a palatial city.  Shah Jahan, the Ruler that built the Taj Majal in honor of his wife, was imprisoned here at the Agra Fort by his sons, greedy for power and control, until his eventual death.

4. Fatehpur Sikri
At Fatehpur Sikri, you will not only find the highest gateway in the world, Buland Darwaza, but also the Tomb of Salim Chishti. The Sufi Saint’s revered resting place attracts millions of people every year. It is widely believed that all your prayers will be answered here. And when one day they are, you must return to the shrine to perform a small ritual.
Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted fort city, 37 km from Agra. Legend has it that Akbar, who had no son, went to the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti to seek his blessings. Soon enough, Prince Jahangir was born to his Hindu wife Jodha Bai. It’s extremely well preserved and has been deemed a World Heritage Site.

5. Manka Meswar Temple
Manka Meswar, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located about 2.5 km form Taj Mahal. This temple, surrounded by Mughal buildings, is an excellent example for the peaceful coexistence of Hindus and Muslims during the Mughal rule. It is a worthy place to visit because it displays the traditional Hindu architecture.

6. Jami Masjid
Jami Masjid, built in 1648, is situated opposite to Delhi Gate in the heart of the city. The Jami Masjid is the principal centre of worship for the predominantly Muslim villagers. It is also possible to enter the mosque from an entrance on the east side of the building, but frankly, the views from the top of the steps at the main gate are so inspiring that you find yourself automatically ignoring the touts. Jami Masjid  was built by Jahanara Begum, daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, at a cost of five lakh rupees.

7. Sikandra
The town of Sikandra is just four kilometers away form the city of Agra. It houses the mausoleum of Akbar the great, built by his son Jahangir. The main entrance to Sikandra is via a massive imposing building that is essentially the gateway to the garden tomb to the south side of the Mausoleum. The building looks quite impressive and is made of Red Sandstone and marble with intricate inlaid designs in Marble.
Sikandra is a representation of his philosophy and secular outlook. Sikandra is a combination of the best Hindu and Muslim architecture. It is one of the well preserved monuments and a worthy place for tourists to visit.

8. Lower Haramsara
Almost cloister like, the Lower Haramsara courtyard is surrounded on three sides by a U-shaped structure, consisting of colonnaded portico leading into many small rooms. The fourth open side faces Birbal's House. This area functioned as the sleeping quarters of the women servants of the palace. Its placement within the women's quarters, adjacent to Jodha Bai's Palace, and the presence of baths, all point to the likelihood that it was used for residential purposes, rather than as a stable.

9. Itimad-ud-Daulah
Itimad-ud-Daulah is the perfect example of the transition between the gigantesque Mughal monuments, Badshahi Mosque in Lahore or Jameh Masjid in Delhi, and the more delicate constructions, Taj Mahal. It testifies that the Mughals began like titans and finished like jewellers. It is often nicknamed the "Baby Taj". This is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg and Asmat Begum who were Nur Jehan’s parents and Mumtaz Mahal’s grand parents.
The most important aspect of this tomb is its polychrome ornamentation, beautiful floral stylized, arabesque and geometrical designs depicted on the whole exterior in inlay and mosaic techniques in various tints and tones.

10. India in Motion
A new multi-sensory tourist attraction, 'India in Motion' was opened recently next to Taj Mahal, in an air-conditioned shopping mall. 'India in Motion' enables tourists to experience entire India in 25 minutes, through state-of-the art technology. The attraction tells the 5,000 years history, diversed culture and religions, heritage and magnificent sights of India in a nutshell.

11. Ride a rickshaw
The cycle-rickshaw is a quaint inheritance from a vanishing India. The rickshaw remains an integral part of Agra’s old-world charm. But it’s wise to save this experience for a cool evening.

12. The Dhobi Ghat
Locations in and around this dhobi ghat were recently seen in the Oscar winner, Slumdog Millionaire. This part of the river, where washer-folk scrub their laundry, attracts photographers too. Carpeted with yards of fabric in more colours than known to man, Agra’s Dhobi Ghat is also a popular destination.

13. Vrindavan
Vrindavan is a center of Krishna worship and the area includes places like Govardhana and Gokul that are associated with Krishna. Many millions of bhaktas or devotees of Radha Krishna visit these places of pilgrimage every year and participate in a number of festivals that relate to the scenes from Krishna's life on Earth. Vrindavan is considered to be a holy place by all traditions of Hinduism. The major tradition followed in the area is Vaisnavism, and it is a center of learning with many Vrindavan Ashrams operating.

14. Nightlife in Agra
The city of Agra is fast catching up and nightlife in the city is becoming one of the major sources of entertainment in the city. Nightclubs of the Agra contribute appreciably to night entertainment in the city. The ambience of the clubs is electrifying and sparkling. The clubs and bars of Agra are also celebrated for offering mouthwatering local delicacies along with lip smacking dishes from all over the world. Few popular nightclubs, bars and pubs of Agra are Mughal Bar, Downtown Club bar, Le Bar and Downing Street Bar.

15. Shopping
One has to buy the famous ''Petha'' and ''Gazak'' among sweets or a small replica of the famous Taj Mahal. The Panchi Petha located at the station road has varieties of Petha and Gazak. One can also opt for handicraft products, leather work, footwear, carpets and jewellery. The well known markets where one can grab such pieces are Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar and Munro Road.

16. Taj Mahotsav
The Taj Mahotsav is a grand 10 day long fiesta which enthralls the one who witnesses. The festival is held in the period between February 18 and 27th each year at Shilpgram, near the Taj Mahal. Many of the famed Indian artists perform at this prestigious event. The Taj Food Festival is another attraction of this event.

- By Sunil R Yadav

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